CENTRAL EUROPE DISCOVERY: GEMS OF GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND
Day 1: Vienna - Melk - Linz - Salzburg
Early in the morning depart from Vienna to the Wachau Valley. The Wachau Valley, located between Krems and Melk in Lower Austria, is not only one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes, but also certainly one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Charming historical villages, steep wine terraces, splendid monasteries and romantic castle ruins set the scene for an exceptional work of art in its own right. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk - one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles. On the way to Salzburg short stop in Linz. Welcome to Salzburg - the city of Mozart!
Day 2: Salzburg - Lake District - Salzburg
In the morning enjoy a panoramic tour of Salzburg. Visit the Mirabell Gardens and the histrocial city center with its impressive church towers and admire the world-famous Hohensalzburg Fortress which towers high above the Baroque city centre of Salzburg. Travel to the famous Lake District Salzkammergut, a natural paradise of imposing alpine lakes such as diverse Wolfgangsee, idyllic Fuschlsee, and iconic Mondsee. In the afternoon return to Salzburg.
Day 3: Salzburg - Berchtesgaden - Munich
Continue to Berchtesgaden - a region of spectacular natural beauty characterised by majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes and the unspoiled nature reserve of the Berchtesgaden National Park. Berchtesgaden is a typical Alpine village at the foot of Mount Watzmann, and known for its salt mines. Embark on an exciting journey while visiting a salt mine in Berchtesgaden. On the way to Munich make a stop at beautiful Lake Chiemsee. As the largest lake in Bavaria, Lake Chiemsee is also known as the “Bavarian Sea”.
Day 4: Munich
Welcome to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Munich is world-famous for the Oktoberfest - the largest beer festival in the world. After breakfast, visit the city's major attractions ending at the main square "Marienplatz" to admire the famous town hall carillon. The rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5: Munich - Swarovski Crystal World - Innsbruck
Immerse yourself in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in the Austrian Alps. Here you can explore spectacular facilities created by world-renowned artists. Continue your journey to the Alpine city of Innsbruck and enjoy a city tour. The old town of Innsbruck is rich in history and culture, showcasing its Baroque buildings, the glamorous Golden Roof and its iconic Imperial Palace.
Day 6: Innsbruck - Ettal - Linderhof - Neuschwanstein - Kempten
Travel to Ettal, home to the Benedictine Abbey and its impressive Baroque church. Visit Linderhof Palace, the summer palace of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Afterward, visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Kempten, a charming Bavarian town in the heart of the Allgäu.
Day 7: Kempten - Lindau - Zurich
After breakfast, travel to Lindau, an old town which is situated on a picturesque island within Lake Constance. Enjoy a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming Bavarian-style houses and historic buildings, as well as its charming harbor, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. The journey continues to Zurich, Switzerland. Upon arrival enjoy a city tour. Admire the architectural elegance of the historic old town and visit famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world.
Day 8: Zurich - Lucerne
Travel to Lucerne. With the Rigi and Pilatus mountains and the Alps as a backdrop, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, home to the famous Chapel Bridge "Kapellbrücke," considered the
oldest in Europe.
Day 9: Lucerne - Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" - Bern
Today take the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch - "Top of Europe". It is Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters above sea level. Ice and snow are guaranteed all year round. After descending, departure from Interlaken along Lake Thun to reach Bern, Switzerland's capital.
Day 10: Bern - Maison Cailler - Maison du Gruyère - Montreux
After breakfast, continue to Broc, where the Maison Cailler chocolate factory is located, producing one of the world's most delicious chocolates. Your journey continues to Gruyères, an idyllic village
that seems to have emerged directly from the Middle Ages, located in the heart of the world-famous cheese production area. Visit the Maison du Gruyère cheese factory. Afterward, travel to the
charming town of Montreux, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.
Day 11: Montreux - Lausanne - Geneva
Bordering the shores of Lake Geneva, enjoy stunning views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, until you reach Lausanne. Explore this picturesque city set against the impressive backdrop of the Savoy Alps. The journey continues to Geneva Airport.